Volkswagen executive confirms NAIAS 2018 debut for next-gen VW Jetta

Volkswagen had previously announced that the next-gen VW Jetta will enter production in December. In the latest, Volkswagen North America CEO Heinrich Woebcken has confirmed that the 2019 VW Jetta will debut at NAIAS 2018 in January.

The next-gen VW Jetta will ride on the MQB platform. Current VW Jetta pictured.

Mr Woebcken confirmed the development to VWvortex, adding that the next-gen VW Jetta has a coupe-like shape with a “super modern”, “strong” and “emotional” design character. Volkswagen has developed the redesigned VW Jetta with North America specifically in mind. Spy shots have already completely revealed the car’s exterior. When asked about the car’s interior and cost-cutting measures, Mr Woebcken said:

We have given the car a North American ‘touch’ but not always in terms of low cost and less content, but in much more specific needs of the market. The (VW) Jetta will be, for me, a symbolic statement that Volkswagen is changing by really allowing to listen to American customers, American dealers, what the market needs.

With learnings from the dealer feedback, Volkswagen North America has decided to offer an R-Line grade right from launch. The Volkswagen North America has chief has confirmed two more rumours, availability of a manual transmission (right from the time of launch) and availability of a GLI trim (about a year later). The current VW Jetta is available with 1.4-, 1.8- and 2.0-litre TSI engines in the U.S. market. The MQB platform-based next-gen VW Jetta's engine options also should consist of only turbocharged petrol units.

Like the current VW Jetta, the 2019 VW Jetta should sell with only turbocharged petrol engines in the U.S. market.